President is being advised by his closest confidantes to dissolve parliament this Tuesday (09 Dec) and hold general elections on February 18, while a strong lobby has stopped that decision, say insiders.
Some senior SLFP ministers and the UNP defectors don't see the situation favourable for a general election, say the same informed sources.
The JHU leadership and a few who are very close to the defense establishment have argued that war achievements have divided the UNP openly with some leaders supporting the government's war on terror and therefore its time for a snap elections to gain a mandate to eliminate the LTTE. "The UNP can not go against the war. They are also now trapped like the JVP." they have argued.
Quoting a UNP defector minister, an inside source said most seniors are wary the people would support the war as expected in this current economic crisis. "How many hoisted lion flags, with all the campaigning after capturing Pooneryn?" the minister had asked.
Few senior SLFP ministers had argued, even if Kilinochchi is taken in a few days, the mood of the people would not be decided by Kilinochchi in February next year, due to economic hardship. "Reducing fuel prices alone will not solve all the economic issues" they are reported to have said.
The breaking up of the TMVP and its loosing ground in the East is also considered, say insiders, with many Muslim ministers unhappy over early elections.
The President would consider all these arguments before a final decision is taken on Monday evening, say informed insiders.
LD
Some senior SLFP ministers and the UNP defectors don't see the situation favourable for a general election, say the same informed sources.
The JHU leadership and a few who are very close to the defense establishment have argued that war achievements have divided the UNP openly with some leaders supporting the government's war on terror and therefore its time for a snap elections to gain a mandate to eliminate the LTTE. "The UNP can not go against the war. They are also now trapped like the JVP." they have argued.
Quoting a UNP defector minister, an inside source said most seniors are wary the people would support the war as expected in this current economic crisis. "How many hoisted lion flags, with all the campaigning after capturing Pooneryn?" the minister had asked.
Few senior SLFP ministers had argued, even if Kilinochchi is taken in a few days, the mood of the people would not be decided by Kilinochchi in February next year, due to economic hardship. "Reducing fuel prices alone will not solve all the economic issues" they are reported to have said.
The breaking up of the TMVP and its loosing ground in the East is also considered, say insiders, with many Muslim ministers unhappy over early elections.
The President would consider all these arguments before a final decision is taken on Monday evening, say informed insiders.
LD
